Valkyries vs Lynx WNBA Pick: Can Golden State Stave Off Elimination? (Sep 17)

• The Golden State Valkyries look to bounce back from a 29-point beatdown in Game 1.
• Meanwhile, the Minnesota Lynx can advance to the semifinal round with a win in Game 2.
• These teams previously squared off on Sep. 14, with the Lynx winning by a 101-72 margin.

One of the games on Wednesday’s WNBA postseason slate features the Golden State Valkyries hosting the Minnesota Lynx in Game 2 of this first-round matchup. Who has the edge in our Valkyries vs Lynx pick?

Golden State vs Minnesota Preview

The Valkyries won 23 regular-season games, becoming the first WNBA team to qualify for the playoffs in its inaugural season. That was a moot point, though, as Minnesota soundly defeated them to the tune of 101-72 in the series opener.

Golden State held a seven-point lead after the first 10 minutes, but it went downhill from there. The Lynx outscored the Valkyries 58-30 over the middle two quarters and breezed to an easy 29-point victory.

Veronica Burton and Cecilia Zandalasini led Golden State with 14 points each. However, they shot a combined 6-for-23 from the floor. And as a team, the Valkyries converted just 33.9 percent of their shot attempts, including a 9-for-31 effort (29 percent) from 3-point range.

On the other side, Napheesa Collier led a balanced attack in which five players reached double figures. She put up 20 points and grabbed six rebounds. Natasha Hiedeman contributed 18 points and four assists off the bench.

Can Golden State stay alive in this Western Conference showdown, or is Minnesota primed for another semifinals appearance?

Valkyries vs Lynx WNBA Pick

Golden State has dropped all five head-to-head matchups against Minnesota this season. Additionally, the last two losses were by double-digit margins. With that in mind, look for the Lynx to punch their ticket to the next round.